d. Where to Stay at Walt Disney World

45 comments

1 Bookings & Reservations » What is the best vacation club hotel in Disney World? { 02.07.10 at 2:12 am }

[...] If you mean is "what’s the best resort to stay in," then for a first-timer it’s the Polynesian. Great kid appeal, far and away the most convenient. See this page for where to stay at Walt Disney World: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-stay/ [...]

2 Christophe Boulenger { 06.09.11 at 5:17 am }

Hello!
Me and my girlfriend (no kids) are currently planning our first 2012 Walt Disney World trip.
Being a huge Star Wars fan, we want to go during Star Wars weekends (end May/start of June).
Total period: 2 full weeks.

At the moment, there’s a very good offer at the UK website when booking a full package.
Including the admission tickets (buy for 7 days base tickets, get 14 days ultimate hoppers).
Also, free dining when booking a moderate or deluxe hotel.
When comparing prices, it wouldn’t be too much of a difference (about 50USD) between:
1) Old Key West Resort (studios), with the Disney Dining Plan (included)
2) Port Orléons Resort (standard room), with an upgrade from the Quick Service Dining to Disney Dining Plan.

Which one would be the more suitable for us, you think, because I cannot seem to find a “best for couples only”-hotel
Thanks!

3 Dave { 06.09.11 at 6:11 am }

Hi Christophe!

That’s a really nice deal.

I tend to Old Key West. The rooms are much larger, the overall feel is more luxurious, and the buildings are smaller, more separated, and more spread out, giving you more of a feel of being by yourself. It’s also a little more convenient to Downtown DIsney, fun for couples (Port Orleans is also conveient to this–just not as much.)

There are two resorts in three different themes at Port Orleans. The Port Orleans French Quarter resort has a very romantic overall look and feel to the whole resort–more so than OKW–but the rooms thenselves don’t measure up to those in OKW. The Magnolia Bend section of the other resort, Port Orleans Riverside, is also charming on the outside, but suffers in the same room comparison.

You can find links to reviews of all these in the middle of this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/04/10/more-on-where-to-stay-at-walt-disney-world/ but for that price difference I’d tend to Old Key West…

Hope this helps! Dave

4 Linda { 06.23.11 at 8:40 pm }

We only travel to Disney every few years so we do spend a little more. We have stayed at the pollen and really enjoyed it. This trip we have the opportunity to use someones Disney vacation points and decided to try the animal kingdom. We currently have 2 studios at the jambo house but are on a waiting list for a 2 bedroom at the village. (2 adults and 4 teens) Reading your review it sounds like the village is a long way from the dining. Is it far from the main pool?

5 Dave { 06.23.11 at 8:46 pm }

Hi Linda, yes it’s just as far from the main pool as it is from dining (other than its own table service). However, it has its own lovely pool that is as nice as at any other DVC resort and has some food to offer as well!! There’s photos of its pool in the review: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/31/review-kidani-village-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-villas/ but they don’t do it justice…it’s gorgeous

6 Chris { 07.07.11 at 10:48 am }

What are your thoughts on the new Art of Animation Resort. Obviously you have not had the opportunity to visit it but i thought you might have some insight to its loction and ammenities.

7 Dave { 07.07.11 at 11:54 am }

Hi Chris!

I have some thoughts on this page: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. (Note that I MADE UP the floorplans…I’m sure they’ll actually end up quite different…)

Regarding the six-person rooms, I think it’ll be a great option for large families looking for value pricing. I also think that many 4 person families willing to pay for a moderate resort will find one of its 6-person options a better overall value for money–much more space, more privacy, more flexibilty, the microwave, the two baths, etc.

For its 4 person rooms I’m not sure. My guess is I’ll end up putting it at the top of my value resort list, just because it will newer, fresher, and more advanced than Pop Century. But I won’t do that til I actually stay in one of these rooms!

8 Dennis { 10.01.11 at 9:23 am }

Thanks for the help before. Have another question. I read somewhere that if one calls the resort hotel, in my case the YC, about 7 to 10 days prior to arrival and ask for the “back office or something like that” that I could put in a request for the room we want. In this case, our package is Garden View Club level. This will be our 4th visit. We know the view we want and have had before. Is this possible?

9 Dave { 10.01.11 at 1:44 pm }

Yup. You just call the main hotel number (you can find them at the end of Allearsnet.com’s resort fact sheets–eg at the end of this page for the Yacht Club: http://allears.net/acc/faq_yc.htm

When you call, just say you want to make a room request and they will transfer you to the right person. Requests aren’t guaranteed, of course–I’ve gotten mine about half the time…

10 Doug { 10.01.11 at 7:07 pm }

Hi and thank you for your site!!
We are a family of 5, thinking of going to Disney May 14-23. Our kids ages are 12 to 19, and we may be possibly bringing one other child. We would like to know what you might suggest. Also do you think that Disney will offer the free meal plan during this time?
Thank you for your help.

11 Dave { 10.02.11 at 6:38 am }

Hi Doug! For where to stay for larger families, see the links that start here: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/special-circumstances/special-circumstances-large-families/

Dunno if they’ll have a deal offered then…it depends on how their bookings are going. It’s a common time for deals, but no guarantees!

12 Kerri { 12.29.11 at 4:34 pm }

We’re really stuck. We have booked a villa from 17 Dec to 5 Jan 2012-13 and are looking to choose between the following options to book a hotel onsite for 2 adults and two kids (11 and 8 by then):
1 nt Christmas Ev + 1 nt New Year’s EVe
2 nts New years’s eve and previous night (30th)
We are stuck as to which is the better option; what is the reality behind New Year’s Eve and Christmas Day on site? Also, which hotel. At the moment we are favouring WL as it seems to have the level of comfort we are after with a convenient location accessible to both MK and Epcot. Please help!!

13 Dave { 12.30.11 at 7:41 am }

Hi Kerri, I have mixed feelings. You will be there long enough that you don’t need to be in the parks xmas day or NYE–and they are SO crowded why bother? Why not make these “off” days…Otherwise, pick between your options based on which days you think you really need access to the parks… Re the hotels, WL is a great choice–but not overly convenient to Epcot…

14 Craig { 01.06.12 at 5:23 pm }

Hi,

This site has been a gem in our planning for our first trip. Actually helped us delay plans a few weeks to a period that is less busy.

Here’s an odd question for you … do the value resorts permit you to bring in (and use) in your room something like a Koolatron (electric cooler that you can also plug into your van) or even a toaster oven? We’re arriving by van and figure this is a way to help us save on accomodation to spend more on the parks/perks.

Thanks!

15 Dave { 01.06.12 at 6:44 pm }

Hi Craig, glad it helped.

On your question, I’m not sure. Since you can rent a fridge for about ten bucks a night from Disney, they may fuss over the cooler…the toaster oven should be ok…worst case is they will tell you one or the other is a “fire hazard” and make you take it back to your van…

16 Julie { 01.13.12 at 3:49 pm }

Which hotels have private decks? My husband and I would like one so we can sit out there and relax after the kids fall asleep.

Thanks!

17 Dave { 01.13.12 at 4:06 pm }

Hi Julie, none of the moderate or value hotels have balconies.

All the deluxe and DVC hotels do, with the exception of some rooms at the Polynesian, and some rooms at the Beach Club. (The Beach Club rooms that are a problem all have balconies, but on some balconies there’s only enough room to stand.)

So if you go with the Poly or Beach Club, you need to request a “full balcony,” and Disney won’t guarantee that request…

18 mauricio { 01.16.12 at 9:01 pm }

I chose the week of March 1 to March 6, but I see are very full, is this a good time.
and if I want to stay with my family at disney villa outside which I recommend

19 Dave { 01.17.12 at 9:21 am }

Hi Maurcio. This is a good time. The Disney hotles are very full, because of three different deals that have been or being offered during this period, but the parks themselves are OK. There are no Disney villas outside of Disney world, but plenty of places available for rent. See http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/27/the-tightwads-guide-to-staying-off-site-at-walt-disney-world/

20 Danielle { 01.21.12 at 5:40 pm }

Hi Dave, I have asked questions before and also checked other sites…but always end up coming back here. This is my struggle…we are planning a trip for our family of 5 Aug. 27th-Sept 3rd. I originally thought to stay at the new AOA, but according to some chatting, IF free dining does come out for that time if year it probably will not include the AOA resort. Is that possible that it could exclude AOA? So now I am considering the Poly. I know you base your site for families with older kids, but I have an 8, 6 & 3 year old. Anything to help me decide would be great.

21 Dave { 01.21.12 at 6:47 pm }

Hi Danielle!! I had not thought about AofA being excluded…but it’s certainly plausible. The pre-tax room cost diffference between it and the Poly then is just about the same as you’d pay (or save) on the dining plan…not knowing your budget it’s hard for me to comment…lower-cost 5 person options likely to be eligible for free dining include All-Star Music family suites or a trundle-bed room at Port Orleans Riverside Alligator Bayou. See http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/special-circumstances/special-circumstances-large-families/ and its links…

22 Scott { 01.25.12 at 4:45 pm }

Hi Dave: terrific website…thank you for the treasure-trove of information. Quick question: we are taking our 4, 6 and 8 year old sons to WDW for their first visit (5 days, 4 nights). We have priced rooms for 5, and the All-Star Music suites and the Port Orleans Riverside price approximately the same; the Poly is approx. $1000 more. A few quick questions: 1) Is one able to rent a room for 4 in another resort, such as the Pop Century, or does one have to stay in one of the rooms for 5? 2) given that we’ll be in parks most of the time, but knowing, too, that we’ll have some down time at the hotel on our arrival day and in the evenings, which of the resorts would you recommend? While we could afford the Poly, given the ages of our kids and our likely itinerary (i.e. parks, parks, parks), is the add’t $250/night worth it for the Poly and its ambiance & convenience? Thanks!

23 Dave { 01.25.12 at 4:59 pm }

Hi Scott, and thanks!

The “is it worth it” question is hard to answer for anyone else….for my wife, it is; for me, it’s not. The theoretical question is what’s the next best use of the $250 a nite… for me it’s another trip sooner…

Re 4 person rooms: you won’t get room keys, park tickets on the keys, the dining plan (if you are thinking about that), or linens for more than a room can officially hold–and you simply can’t fit a fifth person into one of the standard rooms in the values, as far as I’m concerned.

Between a family suite at Music and a trundle-bed room at Riverside (or a standard 4 person room at any moderate), I’d take Music in a heartbeat–the family suite space is much more livable, even if you aren’t in it much. See the floor plan for the family suites lower on this page: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/07/27/review-disneys-all-star-music-resort/

Hope this helps!

24 Sheena { 01.26.12 at 10:17 am }

Hi Dave,
I asked questions before and realized they were really silly after getting more familiar with your site. I was able to find the answers myself. Sorry about that! It’s our family’s first time going and I know we probably won’t go again for a while. So I want our trip to be memorable and I’m willing to pay for that but not pay too much… We are a family of 9 (4 adults, 5 kids) and I was looking at buying points from a DVC.
1. Would getting a villa at Animal Kingdom be a good idea (thru DVC?)
2. We plan to go the first week of June 2013. Is that a good time to go?
Thank you for your help and opinions!

25 Dave { 01.26.12 at 10:34 am }

Hi Sheena! Ask away, I don’t mind! And if you haven’t looked through this, you should: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/special-circumstances/special-circumstances-large-families/more-on-large-families-at-walt-disney-world/large-families-looking-for-value-pricing-at-walt-disney-world-continued/

On your specific questions, there’s two ways to access DVC resorts. One is just like reserving a regular room—you call or go online. For these you can also use discount programs–for a discount being offered for your week, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/11/30/new-walt-disney-world-discount-extending-into-june-2012/

The other way is to rent points from a DVC member. This is more complicated but often cheaper even than a discount. For how to, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/special-circumstances/special-circumstances-large-families/more-on-large-families-at-walt-disney-world/renting-dvc-points-at-walt-disney-world/

Almost always. and either way, the least expensive 9 person space available is at Disney’s Old Key West–see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/17/review-disneys-old-key-west-resort/ AKL is a great choice, but more expensive, and not as spacious. There are two DVC options at AKL–Jambo House, and Kidani Village. Of these, Kidani Village is more livable for a family your size–see this http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/31/review-kidani-village-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-villas/

Finally, if you have to go in the summer, the first week of June is the best choice! See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/07/20/disney-world-crowds-in-2012-summer-2012-crowds/

Hope this helps and have a great trip!

26 Eva { 01.29.12 at 11:53 am }

since you are so incredibly helpful and this site ROCKS, I thought I would ask another question that has really been bugging me.
We are booked at POR and I just cant convince my husband (or myself really) to re-book at POP Century. We are truly worred that the rooms will dissapoint us, even though our kids would clearly love them. We are also looking forward to the boat ride to DTD, even though that seems like a small thing. I have used your site, and made a spreadsheet for our trip, and bc our stay is 6 days, 5 nights, I have budged very little time in our “resort” besides a rest in the afternoon.
Can you convince me to stay at POP and save some money, or do you think we should just stay at POR? Im not getting a discounted room there, bc I got a discounted dining plan – did the math, and save about $200 based on the places we WANT to eat and can since we have the dining plan.

27 Dave { 01.29.12 at 12:04 pm }

Hi Eva, just to be clear, you are worried that Pop will disappoint you, and are you saving $200 by being in POR than by being in Pop? Or do I have somehting backwards

28 Eva { 01.29.12 at 2:45 pm }

okay, so let me be more clear. We are staying at POR because we are afraid that my husband and I will be dissapointed with the rooms and amenities at POP. We are saving $200 by getting a free dining plan and forgoing other discounts that I could get on POR. Did the math, and with a discount on the room and tickets, we would only have about $490 to spend total on food (snacks and meals) to match the package price with POR (with no discounts) and free dining plan. We want to have the “dining experience” as well, so I went with the dining plan option. Staying at POP would be pure discount on what we are paying now, but I cant decide if its worth it.

29 Dave { 01.29.12 at 3:51 pm }

OK, I got you, and have a coupla thoughts.

One is whether you’ve considered a split stay. You could start at Pop, and then shift to POR later–two reservations, with dining plans for each… or you could even start at Pop and switch to the Wilderness Lodge for–typically–about the same cost as POR over the whole trip. For more see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-stay/next-best-resort-choices/where-not-to-stay/

On the other hand, if you go there thinking you’ll be disappointed by Pop, you will be. Its rooms are as small as you likely will ever stay in; the beds are only full-sized; compared to POR, dining is limited, the decoration is garish, and the pool not as good. It will, however, delight your kids…but they won’t mind POR one bit!

30 Eva { 01.29.12 at 5:18 pm }

again, great advice. Too short of a trip to split this time, but I will keep that in mind for our next trip. Thanks thanks thanks for the great advice!

31 Dave { 01.29.12 at 5:28 pm }

Eva, you are welcome! Have a great trip…and thanks for all your kind words about the site! Dave

32 kerm { 02.08.12 at 7:28 pm }

Been to WDW 55 times since 1971 traveling from the northwoods of WI. Considered a seasoned vet, but your site is so helpful, planning AofA in April 2013. Need a helper?

33 Dave { 02.09.12 at 6:12 am }

Hi Kerm, and thanks!

Hope your winter has been as good as mine (I live in Northeast Ohio.) Glad to hear your thoughts about AoA when you get back from there next year, and anything else you’d care to add or correct on the site–or any other thoughts you have.

Dave

34 Ann { 02.11.12 at 4:21 pm }

Hi Dave,
I’ve been to Disney many times and stayed at most of the accomidations. We have a DVC membership. Right now we are booked at the Animal Kingdom Kadini Villas and we are thinking of booking a trip on the Wanyama Safari tour. This is a pricey tour. Have you heard anything reliable about the cost ratio? Also, we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge several years ago and the cleaning was horrible… is the villa better? (hopefully) Our other option is the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge, but they seem remote. (We have a car) Any advice? Our son is 10 years old and really doesn’t need any of the kid friendly appeal.

35 Dave { 02.11.12 at 4:43 pm }

Hi Ann! I have no opinion on the safari, nor the state of cleaning, sorry.

Wilderness Lodge is a great choice, but the villa rooms are smaller than those at Kidani… Given the size of your family this may not matter, and if you’ve never stayed at WL I would advise giving it a try…

See http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/01/31/review-kidani-village-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-villas/ and http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/02/07/review-the-villas-at-disneys-wilderness-lodge/ .

36 Bianca { 03.18.12 at 5:57 am }

Hi Dave,

Firstly thank you for this website it has been a huge help! Me and my partner are planning a trip for later this year. This will be our first time going and dont no where we should stay. We have no children and are 24years old. We are coming from New zealand so want to make the most of it. please help!! Thanks

37 Dave { 03.18.12 at 9:46 am }

Hi Bianca and thanks for the kind words!

It’s hard to advise without knowing your price range. But for couples your age the Epcot resorts are hard to beat, especially if you have park hopper tickets. See this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2012/02/16/the-epcot-resorts-at-walt-disney-world/

If the prcies of those are too high, let me know, and also let me know what you are looking for–most romantic, most silly, most convenient–and I’ll give you some more thoughts…

38 Erin { 04.04.12 at 11:36 pm }

Do you have any idea (or heard any rumors about whether discounts for rooms or dining will be available for stays in early December? Would they have already come out?

39 Dave { 04.05.12 at 6:35 am }

Hi again, Erin. All I know for sure is that Disney by policy is cutting back the number and scope of the discounts it’s offering…so no guarantees. Last year, Free Dining for the winter was announced in early August…

40 Kathy Strachan { 04.26.12 at 12:43 am }

Hi Dave,
What is the convenience factor for the Art of Animation Resort? Know it doesn’t have a gym for my 19 year old daughter but a good price for a family suite. Would probably spend most of our time at Magic Kingdom and Epcot as far as the 16 year daughter is concerned.
Thanks,
Kathy

41 Dave { 04.26.12 at 7:52 am }

Hi Kathy! A of A will be as convenient as Pop Century.

If the two end up sharing buses, then Pop (and AofA) will drop a little in the convenience rankings–see this http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-stay/next-best-resort-choices/picking-your-resort-based-on-convenience/resorts-ranked-by-convenience/

42 Julie { 05.01.12 at 3:51 pm }

Hi Dave,

Your site is amazing, thank you so much! My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Disney for the winter of 2013 for 9 days, we have no kids and are pretty flexible with of when we go. I was thinking beginning of February based on your site with crowds and pricing, but I just looked at your Best Weeks of 2013 and it rates that time frame in the high 40′s, why is that? We were also thinking of staying at the Contemporary, what do you think price wise during that time frame and overall experience…we we’re thinking about using AAA for discounts? My first trip to Disney was this past winter for a girl’s weekend and I thought the Contemporary would be really cool to stay at because of the monorail and the view of the castle from the tower. Also is it difficult to get a tower room and would you recommend a floor? I also really want to to do one of the water parks, do you have a favorite, and will it be too cold?

I could ask you a 100 more questions (not that I already didn’t!!) but I’ll spare you…thank you so much for your time!

Julie

43 Dave { 05.02.12 at 6:33 am }

Hi Julie and thanks!

My week ratings are for first time visitors who may never return. They thus ding January and early February weeks because ride closures are common then. See http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/05/12/winter-ride-closures-at-walt-disney-world/

For returning visitors, those weeks are great–low crowd and low prices! Weather can be all over the place, tho, so I would not plan on a waterpark, but rather just do it on spur of the moment if it is warm. During those months, only one is open at a time, so you won’t have a choice–both have their fans, I have a slight preference for Blizzard Beach. For temps then, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/when-to-go/next-best-dates/weather-and-when-to-go/pool-days-november-through-february/

I think the Contemporary will be fun! Magic Kingdom view Tower rooms are easy to get then, and ask for the highest floor available.

44 Brenda Buzzell { 05.15.12 at 9:40 am }

I am trying to find the information that will tell me how to book a hotel stay at Port Orleans now since the disney site is not avaliable for 2013 reservations.
help

45 Dave { 05.15.12 at 1:15 pm }

Hi Brenda, see this: http://yourfirstvisit.net/2011/02/21/how-far-in-advance-can-you-book-a-walt-disney-world-vacation/

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